
Cisco 4742HDC HD Cable Receiver

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
- Read these instructions.
- Keep these instructions.
- Heed all warnings.
- Follow all instructions.
- Do not use this apparatus near water.
- Clean only with a dry cloth.
- Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
- Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades, with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
- Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
- Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.- Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
- Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as when a power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled, objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
Power Source Warning
A label on this product indicates the correct power source for this product. Operate this product only from an electrical outlet with the voltage and frequency indicated on the product label. If you are uncertain of the type of power supply to your home or business, consult your service provider or your local power company. The AC inlet on the unit must remain accessible and operable at all times.
Welcome
The Cisco® Explorer® 4700 Family High-Definition Cable Set-Tops with Multi-Stream CableCARD™ (M-Card™) Interface provide high-definition (HD) capability and broadband digital video services. On the MoCA™ enabled 4742HDC, the MoCA connection enables an IP LAN connection over coaxial cable, which minimizes the need for new wiring in the home.
Follow the instructions in this guide to install the set-top, to become familiar with the buttons on the front panel, and to access your cable services. Then, enjoy the features of the set-top and change the way you watch TV. Important: If the M-Card module is removed, the set-top will not operate correctly. The consumer support website provides news and information about this product. For more information, please refer to http://www.cisco.com/web/consumer/support/index.html.
What’s In The Carton?
The set-top carton contains the following items:
Additional Equipment You Might Need
You might need some of the cables and adapters shown below for connecting the set-top to your home entertainment devices. See the connection information in the Connection Diagrams section for more information. Check with your service provider for information about acquiring cables or adapters, or you can purchase cables or adapters at your local electronics supplier.
Front Panel
- Power Turns the set-top on and off
- IR Sensor Receives the infrared signal from the remote control
- Display: Displays the selected channel number and time of day. The display shows the following:
- Record

- AUTO
- 1080i / 1080P
- MoCA Link

- Power

- Message

- 720i / 720P Illuminates when this set-top
- 5.1
- HDTV
- 480i / 480P is connected to another MoCA device
- USB Port Connects to external equipment, such as a keyboard or mouse (reserved for future use)

Note: This illustration may vary from the actual product.
Back Panel
- Multi-Stream Slot for M-Card module, which decrypts subscription digital channels. This set-top will not operate correctly without an M-Card module, which is installed by your service provider
- M-Card Label Contains the M-Card serial number and MAC address
- Cable In Connects to a coaxial cable that delivers the signal from your service provider
- Bar Code Label Contains set-top serial number and MAC address
- Video Out Connects to the composite on your TV
- HDTV (YPbPr) Connects to the component video input (YPbPr) on the HDTV, when in HD mode
- Audio Out (Left/Right) Connects to RCA cables that send analog audio signals (left and right) to the stereo inputs on a TV
- Cable Out Connects to a coaxial cable that sends analog audio and video signals to a TV or VCR. These signals are standard-definition TV (SDTV) video and stereo audio
- IR Available to be connected to an approved remote IR receiver (purchased separately). Please contact your service provider for details
- Optical Audio Out Connects to an optical cable that sends a digital audio signal to a surround-sound receiver or other digital audio device
- HDMI Connects an HDMI™ cable to the HDMI input of an HDTV. HDMI supports both digital audio and video. May be used to connect to a DVI interface using an HDMI-to-DVI adapter for video and separate audio connections. Any of the following audio connections may be used: Audio Out: Left, Right (7); Optical Audio Output (10)
- USB Connects to external USB devices such as a keyboard or a mouse
- Ethernet Connects to an Ethernet network
- 1394 Connects to display devices that are equipped with a 1394 input
- AC Power Input Connects to the power cord to deliver power to the set-top
Note: This illustration may vary from the actual product.
View Television Programming
Access Services and Programs
Access cable services and programs by pressing the following keys on the remote control:
- Guide – Access the on-screen guide. The on-screen guide displays schedules of TV programs and other services available from your cable service provider, such as video-on-demand and pay-per-view programs.
- Arrows – Select a program in the schedule.
- Info – Display a specific program description (either from the on-screen guide or while viewing a program).
- Select – View a specific program in the guide.
Stretch and Zoom Program
You can stretch and zoom SD or HD programs by pressing the # key on the remote control.
Avoid Screen Burn-In
Images such as letterbox bars or side bars, bright closed-captioning backgrounds, station logos, or any other stationary images may cause the picture tube in your HDTV to age unevenly; this is known as screen burn-in. Refer to the user guide that came with your HDTV for more information.
Troubleshooting
If the set-top does not perform as expected, the following tips may help. If you need further assistance, contact your service provider.
No Picture
- Verify that the power to your TV is turned on.
- Verify that your HDTV is in HD mode. If necessary, run the HD Setup Wizard to select HD mode. On the front panel of the set-top, press GUIDE and INFO at the same time. This will activate the HD Setup Wizard.
- If the set-top is plugged into a wall switch, verify that the switch is in the ON position. Note: You should avoid plugging the set-top into an outlet controlled by a wall switch.
- Verify that all cables are properly connected.
- If your system includes a VCR or stereo, verify that you have properly connected them to the set-top.
- Verify that the set-top is set to the proper screen type and resolution.
No Color
- Verify that the current TV program is broadcast in color.
- Adjust the TV color controls.
- If you are using a component video connection (YPbPr), check that all connectors are completely plugged into the set-top and TV.
No Sound
- If your setup includes a VCR or stereo, verify that you have properly connected them to the set-top.
- Verify that the volume is turned up.
- Verify that the mute function is not on.
Automatic Software Updates
A message appears on the TV screen when the set-top and the M-Card module are receiving software updates. In addition, download information also appears on the front panel of the set-top during these updates. Wait for the current time to display on the front panel before continuing. When the time appears, the update is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Digital Television?
Digital television (DTV) is a huge leap forward in television technology compared to analog television, which has been widely available since the 1940s. DTV is delivered and displayed using digital encoding, similar to the way a PC operates. By using digital technology, there is no variation in picture and sound quality from the origination point until it is displayed on your television. You always receive a high-quality picture without the wavy lines or static you might sometimes get from a weak analog signal.
Because DTV receives and displays digital images that contain many times more picture elements (pixels—the small dots that make up the color image on your screen) than standard analog television, you can get a sharper on-screen image than with analog. Additionally, DTV supports CD-quality sound. DTV includes SDTV (Standard-Definition Television), EDTV (Enhanced-Definition Television), and HDTV (High-Definition Television).
That means that all HDTV is digital, but not all digital TV is high-definition. A high-definition program must originate in HD format and be broadcast in HD format. Having an HDTV system does not mean that everything you watch will be in high-definition. Getting the signal from digital cable also does not mean it is high-definition.
What is Standard-Definition Television?
Standard-definition television (SDTV) is basic digital television programming delivered by cable. Typically, the SDTV screen is the same, nearly square shape as an analog television screen. Digital images on an SDTV set are crisp and clear—noticeably better than on a standard analog television set using an antenna to receive over-the-air signals.
What is High-Definition Television?
High-definition television (HDTV) is a completely new way to send and receive television broadcast signals. HDTV images are made up of pixels that are much smaller and closer together than those used in standard analog television, and there are millions of them. Thus, HDTV can display five to six times the detail of analog television to deliver picture quality that is much more realistic, dimensional, and precise. SDTV programs can be viewed on an HDTV. Another feature of HDTV is digital surround sound using Dolby™ Digital technology, which is the same technology used to produce the sound you hear in movie theaters.
Are Local TV Stations Broadcasting in HDTV?
Many local TV stations are transmitting digital signals. However, transmitting a digital signal does not mean transmitting an HDTV signal. Some stations are using the new bandwidth to broadcast several standard-definition channels. Most stations, once they begin broadcasting in digital, are offering HD content from their parent network (for example, CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox, and PBS).
Where Are the Connection Diagrams?
The diagrams at the end of this guide show examples of common ways to connect the set-top to your HDTV, DVD, and home theater receiver. However, these diagrams do not show every possible combination of devices. Refer to the user guides that came with your other electronic devices for further information.
What Cables Do I Need?
Some of the cables and adapters shown in the diagrams may not be included with the set-top. Some of the required cables are shown in the connection diagrams and on page 2 of this guide.
Picture Formats
What is the Difference Between a Standard-Screen and a Wide-Screen HDTV?
The type of screen your HDTV has (wide screen or standard screen) determines how the set-top displays programs on the screen. The picture format for an HDTV is a combination of aspect ratio and screen resolution and is different for standard-screen and wide-screen HDTVs.
What is Aspect Ratio?
An aspect ratio is the ratio of the width to the height of the TV screen. The aspect ratios differ because the television industry manufactures both standard-screen and wide-screen HDTVs to appeal to consumer viewing preferences.
What is the Screen Resolution and Scan Rate?
The screen resolution indicates the amount of detail that the picture displays. Resolution is identified by the number of display lines on the screen. The techniques that an HDTV uses to “paint” the picture on the screen are referred to as progressive and interlaced. With the progressive method, the lines are drawn on the screen one at a time in sequential order. The interlaced method involves refreshing pixels in alternation—first the odd lines and then the even lines.
For advanced setup, select the scan modes that your TV can support. Refer to your set-top and HDTV user guides to choose the proper scan rates (480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i) for your setup. For example, a resolution of 1080i indicates that the screen shows 1080 lines in an interlaced display, and 480p indicates that the screen shows 480 lines in a progressive display.
Notes:
- The screen resolution (1080i, 480p, and so forth) is sometimes referred to as the scan rate. The terms are interchangeable.
- You can stretch and zoom the displayed picture using the built-in capability of the set-top by pressing the # key on the remote control.

Connecting to an HDTV with an HDMI Connector
Required cables:
- 1 HDMI cable

Important Notes Regarding the HDMI Interface on the Set-Top
The HDMI interface automatically configures the audio output for a format supported by the television. Because not all TVs support the Dolby Digital input, the HDMI interface may automatically select a 2-channel stereo audio configuration instead of Dolby Digital, which it carries over to the other digital audio outputs of the set-top. This prevents your home theater system or Dolby Digital decoder from providing the full Dolby Digital surround-sound effect. You can override this configuration by completing the following steps.
- Press SETTINGS twice on the remote control to open the General Settings menu.
- Press MOVE UP or MOVE DOWN to select the option Audio: Digital Out.
- Press MOVE RIGHT to select Dolby Digital. This setting will send Dolby Digital audio to the HDMI, DIGITAL AUDIO OUT, and OPTICAL AUDIO OUT connectors on the set-top.
Notes:
- If the TV is not Dolby Digital capable, it may not produce audio through its speakers when the Audio: Digital Out setting on the set-top is set to Dolby Digital. You can either switch the Audio: Digital Out setting back to HDMI when you are not using the home theater or Dolby Digital decoder, or you can connect the baseband audio outputs (OUT 1 Audio Left and Right) to the TV.
- Digital content is encrypted with High-Bandwidth Content Protection (HDCP) on the DVI/HDMI port. This set-top is not compatible with devices that do not support HDCP. You must use either the YPbPr or 1394 connection to connect the set-top to these devices.
FCC Compliance
United States FCC Compliance
This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, it may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment OFF and ON, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the service provider or an experienced radio/television technician for help.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by Cisco Systems, Inc., could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. The information shown in the FCC Declaration of Conformity paragraph below is a requirement of the FCC and is intended to supply you with information regarding the FCC approval of this device. The phone numbers listed are for FCC-related questions only and not intended for questions regarding the connection or operation of this device. Please contact your service provider for any questions you may have regarding the operation or installation of this device.
Declaration of Conformity
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
- The device may not cause harmful interference, and
- The device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Software and Firmware Use
The software described in this document is protected by copyright law and furnished to you under a license agreement. You may only use or copy this software in accordance with the terms of your license agreement. The firmware in this equipment is protected by copyright law. You may only use the firmware in the equipment in which it is provided. Any reproduction or distribution of this firmware, or any portion of it, without our express written consent is prohibited.
Disclaimer
Cisco Systems, Inc. assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions that may appear in this guide. We reserve the right to change this guide at any time without notice.
AVC VIDEO LICENSE
With respect to each AVC/H.264 product, we are obligated to provide the following notice: THIS PRODUCT IS LICENSED UNDER THE AVC PATENT PORTFOLIO LICENSE FOR THE PERSONAL USE OF A CONSUMER OR OTHER USES IN WHICH IT DOES NOT RECEIVE REMUNERATION TO (i) ENCODE VIDEO IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AVC STANDARD (“AVC VIDEO”) AND/
OR (ii) DECODE AVC VIDEO THAT WAS ENCODED BY A CONSUMER ENGAGED IN A PERSONAL ACTIVITY AND/OR WAS OBTAINED FROM A VIDEO PROVIDER LICENSED TO PROVIDE AVC VIDEO. NO LICENSE IS GRANTED OR SHALL BE IMPLIED FOR ANY OTHER USE. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM MPEG LA, L.L.C. SEE https://www.mpegla.com.
Accordingly, please be advised that service providers, content providers, and broadcasters may be required to obtain a separate use license from MPEG LA prior to any use of AVC/H.264 encoders and/or decoders.
ROVI Corporation Copyright Notice
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Rovi Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Rovi Corporation. Reverse engineering and disassembly are prohibited.
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Cisco 4742HDC HD Cable Receiver-FAQs
What is the Cisco 4742HDC?
The Cisco 4742HDC is a high-definition cable TV receiver designed to deliver clear HD picture quality for live TV, movies, and cable programming.
What does the Cisco 4742HDC cable box do?
It receives digital cable signals from your service provider and converts them into high-quality audio and video for your TV.
Is the Cisco 4742HDC an HD or DVR receiver?
The Cisco 4742HDC is an HD receiver only. It does not include DVR recording features.
How do I set up the Cisco 4742HDC cable box?
Connect the power cord, attach the coaxial or Ethernet cable from your provider, connect HDMI or AV cables to your TV, then power on the box.
What cables are needed to connect the Cisco 4742HDC to a TV?
You can use an HDMI cable for best picture quality or composite AV cables for older TVs. A coaxial cable is used for the cable signal.
Can I control the Cisco 4742HDC with my TV remote?
Yes, many universal or TV remotes can be programmed to control basic functions like power and volume.
What is a Cisco console cable? Is it used with this receiver?
A Cisco console cable is used for network device configuration, not for cable TV boxes. It is not required for the Cisco 4742HDC receiver.
Is a Cisco console cable the same as an RJ45 cable?
No. A console cable may use an RJ45 connector, but it has different wiring and is not the same as a standard Ethernet cable.
Does the Cisco 4742HDC support HDMI output?
Yes, it supports HDMI output, providing better picture and sound quality compared to older cable types.
What should I do if the cable box is not responding to the remote?
Check the batteries, make sure there are no obstructions, and try resetting the cable box by unplugging it for a few minutes.



