Enable 480i display for non HD capable televisions

Written by Sidney Rogers

Changing your DRE receiver to non HD for non HD televisions.

Below are the steps to make any DRE receiver (not hooked up to a managed DRE server) default back to residential software. This would enable the following features in the receiver.

  • Enable 480i display for non HD capable televisions
  • Create a custom channel guide

First step is to make sure the receiver has a software version of 8694 or higher. Any software older than this, will not work.
You will need to force the download for the newest DRE software by:
Reset the receiver by pushing the RED reset button.
When the blue boot up screen appears, type on your remote 0 2 4 6 8 then SELECT.
This will start the software download if newer version is available.
This process can take up to 15 minutes to complete.
Now that you have the most current software version you can move to the next step.

Push the MENU button on the DIRECTV remote.
With the arrow button scroll over to Smart Search option.
Type in DREINSTITUTIONON arrow over and hit SELECT.
Next option will give you choices to search, choose ALL, then hit SELECT.
Receiver will take up to 5 minutes to reset.
Once completed, you will be able to access the residential menu setting to make changes.

To change your receiver to a 480i resolution press the MENU key on your DIRECTV remote.
Select SETTINGS AND HELP from the menu.
Click on DISPLAY
Click on TV RESOLUTIONS
Select the option for 480i

Your TV should now be compatible with your standard definition TV>