How to Set Up a Converter Box for Dish Network

Converter boxes are needed to convert digital signal into analog so older televisions, which typically use antennas, can get reception. For older televisions without a converter box and no cable hook up, it will be impossible to watch television. Although Dish Network is completely digital and can hook up directly into older televisions without a problem, it is possible to connect the satellite dish to the converter box.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dish Network receiver
• Converter box
• Coaxial and/or RCA (red, yellow and white) cables

1. Turn off the power for the television, converter box and Dish Network receiver.

2. Plug the coaxial cable into the "out" port of the Dish Network receiver. Attach the other end to the "in" port of the converter box.

3. Take another coaxial cable and connect it to the "out" port of the converter box. The other end should go directly into the "in" port of the television. This can also be done by using RCA cables (the red, yellow and white cables). Follow the same process by going from the "out" RCA ports of the converter box to the "in" ports of the television.

4. Power on the Dish Network receiver, the converter box and the television. The television will most likely need to be changed to channel "3" (although sometimes it is "2" or "4"). This is the default channel for the television reception for an input through the coaxial cable. If you used the RCA cables, change the station to "video." You should now see the satellite channel displayed on the screen. To view, change the channel with the satellite controller, not the television remote.

References

• Converter Box
• Dish Network