How to Hook Up DirecTV With a Kit

This is an example of composite video.

DirecTV boxes allow you to access cable, satellite and local channels on your home entertainment system, but as with any cable service, proper setup is important. If your cable box is improperly set up, you won't be able to view content on your TV. To properly hook up DirecTV into your TV, you simply need to connect the proper cables to the corresponding locations in your home entertainment system.

Things You'll Need

• HDMI, component or composite video cables
• Coaxial cable

Instructions

1. 

   This is an example of composite video.

   Identify the display ports on the back of your TV. You will want to look for an HDMI, component or composite video port. HDMI ports are rectangular in shape, while component and composite video feature several multicolored circular jacks.

2. Look over the back of your DirecTV box to find which ports it shares in common with the TV. You will have to decide on one video cable format during the connection process. All three will provide video to your TV, but they will differ in performance -- HDMI and component video will provide a high definition signal, for instance, but composite will not.

3. Use your preferred cable to connect both devices together. If using component or composite video, make sure the colors of each cable fit into the appropriate colored slot.

4. 

   This is an example of coaxial cable.

   Connect your DirecTV box's coaxial jack into an available wall port with the coaxial cable. This will be located on the back of your DirecTV box.

5. Turn on your TV and set its TV/Video mode to the appropriate setting -- HDMI if you're connected via HDMI, for instance -- to begin using your DirecTV box.

Tips & Warnings

• Hooking up the DirecTV box to your TV requires basic home electronics knowledge, but avoid attempting to set up the satellite yourself. This is usually done by a trained DirecTV technician.

Resources

• DirecTV: Answer Center