How to Hook up a Cable TV Box and Antenna

Most of the time, cable TV will eliminate your need for an antenna connected to your set. Should the need arise, however--like any local channels not being on cable--it is possible to connect both a cable box and antenna to your TV.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• TV set
• Antenna
• Cable box
• RF splitter
• Multiple coaxial cables

1. Make sure the room you are putting the TV in has a cable TV connection. Your cable provider can route their main line into any room, installing a coaxial cable out from the wall that will connect to the TV.
2. Locate the coaxial (RF) connector on the TV. This will be the small knob that the cable will connect to by twisting. This is the primary connector you will use in connecting the cable and antenna.
3. Purchase an RF splitter from an electronics store. This will connect to the TV's RF port and provide two or more ports to connect to instead of just one. Try to get a gold-plated version because it will improve the signal.
4. Connect the splitter to your TV's RF port. Then, connect both the cable box and the antenna to the TV through the splitter. Use a separate coaxial cable for each.
5. Decide if you're adding other peripherals, like a VCR or video game console. A VCR's RF connections are "in" from the cable box and "out" to the TV. A console will have an RF switch that connects between the receiving cable and TV.

Tips & Warnings

• A video game console or VCR, especially newer models, may also use an RCA connection, eliminating the need for extra RF connections.

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