How to Hook Up a Television With a Digital Box

Older televisions need a digital box to convert new digital TV signals into an analog format for viewing and listening. The box transforms digital audio and video into an analog format, but it does not enhance the resolution of the image. Instead, digital boxes allow the owners of older televisions to continue using their sets until they decide to buy a digital TV. The box connects with a pair of coaxial cables between the signal source, such as an antenna, satellite dish or cable service and the television set.

Things You'll Need

• Digital box
• 2 coaxial cables
• Older, tube-type TV with coaxial jacks

Instructions

1. Connect the coaxial cable from the programming source (antenna, cable service, satellite) to the "Coax In" or "RF In" jack on the back of the digital box. The cable attaches to the threaded jack with a coupler that turns clockwise to secure the connection. Make sure the steel pin inside the cable inserts in the center hole of the jack.

2. Connect a second coaxial cable in the same manner to the "Out to TV" or "RF Out" jack on the digital box.

3. Secure the other end of the coaxial cable to the "RF In" jack on the back of the TV, tightening the connection by hand.

4. Switch on the digital box and press the "Scan" button to convert the available digital channels into analog signals for transmitting to the TV.

5. Use the remote control that comes with the digital box to change the channels, leaving the TV set to Channel 3 or Channel 4.

Tips & Warnings

• A VCR can be connected between the digital box and the TV for recording programming to videotape. An extra coaxial cable will be needed to attach the VCR to the TV using the "Out to TV" coaxial jack on the back of the VCR.

• Unplug all equipment from the power while connecting coaxial cables.

References

• Digital TV
• Federal Communications Commission